Arsenal Legend to Return as Coach - Report

Arsene Wenger admits relief and delight at win over Aston Villa

Thierry Henry is set to make a return to Arsenal in a coaching role after his contract with MLS club New York Red Bulls expires at the end of the season.

Thierry Hencry (L)Reuters

The Sunday People reports that Henry is expected to snub an extension to his contract with the MLS club to return to Arsenal. Arsene Wenger is expected to offer him a post in Arsenal's youth academy. The north London legend may be joined by either oone of Dennis Bergkamp or Patrick Vieira, both of whom have been suggested as likely replacements for Liam Brady as the head of youth development at the Gunners. Brady will retire in 2014.

Wenger has been in close contact with Henry since his transfer to Barcelona in 2007 and then to the New York Red Bulls. The 35-year-old made an emotional return to the Emirates in a six-week loan spell in January 2012, where he made a positive impact for the Gunners. He scored two goals to add to his tally of 226 goals in eight prolific seasons at the club. Henry has also been named the greatest player ever to wear an Arsenal shirt, in a poll on the Arsenal Web site.

Wenger Proud of His Team

Meanwhile, Wenger has revealed he is proud of his team after the response to consecutive home defeats. The Gunners were eliminated from the FA Cup by Championship side Blackburn Rovers and then suffered an embarrassing 3-1 defeat to Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich in the first leg of a Champions League knock-out tie only days later.

A third consecutive home defeat would have been catastrophic. Fortunately, a brace from Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla was enough to see off Aston Villa on Saturday and pick up three precious points.

The win takes Arsenal's tally of points to 47 for the season and they are now only a point behind fourth placed Tottenham and two behind Chelsea, in the race for Champions League football next season. Both Spurs and Chelsea have yet to play this weekend - Chelsea face Manchester City on Sunday and Spurs play West Ham on Monday.

"The result was vital today because it was absolutely important to win the game, we could not afford to drop points for two reasons. The first is that we are in a catch-up situation in the Premier League and [secondly] we have come out of two massive disappointments," Wenger said.